The Adolescent Clubhouse strengthens families by helping youth develop positive coping and life skills
Ashley Addiction Treatment (Ashley), one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in the substance use disorder treatment industry, today announced the launch of a virtual family and youth program, Adolescent Clubhouse (The Clubhouse). The new program will provide after-school and summer care for children ages 12-17 who have been impacted by, or are at risk for, substance use disorders and offer additional support for families to help set healthy boundaries and create a positive structure within the home.
“We’re very excited to offer this impactful program as an extension of Ashley’s robust family and youth services,” said Jennifer Aguglia, LCSW-C, vice president of outpatient services at Ashley. “A quarter of American kids grow up in households where substance abuse is present, which increases the likelihood that they, too, might develop similar patterns as adolescents. Through this program and the many others Ashley offers, we bring families together and build stronger, healthier communities that will break the generational cycle of substance use disorder.”
The Clubhouse will enable Ashley to reach more children impacted by substance use disorder and assist with resources early on. The program includes education and life skills training and offers various recreational activities such as yoga and arts and crafts in a safe space that promotes the development and reinforcement of a healthy lifestyle. In addition, concepts of diversity, inclusion and equity will be explored and the evidence-based Strengthening Families Program (SFP) will be offered. Recognized both nationally and internationally, SFP operates from a strengths-based approach and provides skills training for caregivers using positive language and tools that support the entire family unit.
“Research shows us that when the family is active in the recovery journey, the success rates for long-term recovery increase exponentially. This is why it is imperative to engage the whole family as we work with someone impacted by substance use disorder,” said Laura Dahl, LCPC, assistant program director of Family Services at Ashley and director of The Clubhouse. “Through The Clubhouse, we will reduce barriers that participants may encounter and empower parents to have open, honest and healthy community within their families.”
Ashley’s Family Services has been part of its treatment portfolio for decades and houses family, caregivers, children and youth programs. Each offers evidence-based, therapeutic approaches to educate families about the disease model of substance use disorder and help individuals process the feelings and impact they have experienced in relation to substance use disorder either being or having been present in their family. These programs are regularly offered to families of Ashley’s patients and are also open to members of the community.
“Addiction often leaves families feeling broken,” said Joint CEO Alex Denstman, MBA. “We want parents and children to know that they have somewhere to turn, and with our help, they can start the healing process.”
For the past 38 years, Ashley has provided compassionate, personalized and professional treatment to individuals and families within Harford County and across the United States. Ashley maintains three licensed treatment programs including a residential facility in Havre de Grace, which also hosts its Family, Caregivers, Children and Youth Programs, and two outpatient centers in Bel Air and Elkton. Because Ashley’s treatment practices are fostered in an environment that understands and nurtures the individual and works closely with other professionals involved in the patient’s care, Ashley achieves a higher level of mental, physical and emotional well-being for every patient who walks through its doors.
The Clubhouse program is currently being offered through a HIPAA-compliant virtual format. This allows participating adolescents to access these services safely from any location provided they have access to the internet and a computer, tablet or smartphone. Hours of operation for The Clubhouse are Monday-Friday from 2-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. In-person services will be offered at a later date at a separate facility located next to Ashley’s Bel Air Outpatient Treatment Center in the Klein Family Harford Crisis Center at 802 Belair Road.
The Clubhouse is now accepting applications for adolescents and their families in Harford County. To learn more or to apply, please visit www.ashleytreatment.org/treatment/the-clubhouse/ or email [email protected]. To learn more about Ashley or to view the extensive list of services and programs it provides to those who suffer from a substance use disorder and their families, please visit ashleytreatment.org.
ABOUT ASHLEY ADDICTION TREATMENT
Ashley Addiction Treatment (Ashley) is a nationally recognized leader in the integrated, evidence-based treatment of substance use disorders. Ashley’s expert staff implements a comprehensive program for patients that integrates a full spectrum of medical, clinical and holistic treatment methods. Ashley’s driving principle – “everything for recovery” – reinforces its timeless mission to heal each individual with respect and dignity, and reflects its ongoing commitment to meet new challenges. Accredited by The Joint Commission and a division of Ashley Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Ashley has treated nearly 50,000 patients since its inception in 1983 and has awarded more than $65 million in scholarships to assist patients in their recovery. Ashley’s expansive offerings include inpatient as well as outpatient treatment, sobriety enrichment, community outreach, family and children’s education and specialty programs. For more information, please visit www.ashleytreatment.org.
